Drone show to light up Gangtok sky tonight

JASWANT GAUTAM

GANGTOK, :  BotLab Dynamics, a pioneering technology startup founded in 2016 by IIT alumni Tanmay Bunkar, Anuj Kumar Barnwal, and Dr. Sarita Ahlawat, conducted a dress rehearsal of their drone light show on Tuesday evening at Tashi Namgyal Academy here. The full performance is scheduled to take place at Paljor Stadium during the upcoming visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Sikkim, as part of Sikkim’s 50th Statehood Day celebrations.

Speaking at the event, Abhimanyu Dhakal, president of Unnati Foundation, stated that the drone show is being organized by the Department of Information Technology, Government of Sikkim.

Unnati Foundation is acting as the system integrator, with support from Kokkivo Clothing and Great Gatsby Productions. The 15-minute drone display will feature 500 drones and aims to set a new record for the highest altitude drone show conducted in India. The drones are expected to reach a maximum height of 656 feet and span a maximum width of 1,312 feet during the performance.

Dhakal highlighted BotLab Dynamics' notable achievements in the field of drone technology, including performances at the Beating Retreat Ceremony at India Gate, the 2023 IPL Opening Ceremony, and record-setting displays such as Africa’s largest drone show and India's first QR code projected in the sky. Most notably, the company set five world records with a 5,500-drone light show at the Amaravati Drone Summit.

Emphasizing the company’s commitment to innovation and sustainability, Dhakal noted that these drones are designed to offer an eco-friendly alternative to traditional fireworks. Unlike surveillance drones, they are not equipped with cameras; instead, they feature integrated LED modules to deliver spectacular visual effects.

Sunit Kumar, UAV Systems Engineer at BotLab Dynamics, elaborated on the technical aspects of the drones. He confirmed that all drone components are designed and manufactured in India, aligning with the "Make in India" initiative. The drones have a flight duration of approximately 15 to 18 minutes and carry only LED light payloads. Each unit is constructed with a lightweight carbon fiber or composite frame and features brushless DC motors controlled by electronic speed controllers (ESCs) for smooth and responsive flight. A proprietary flight controller ensures stability, navigation, and precise coordination within the drone swarm.

To achieve high-accuracy positioning essential for coordinated formations, the drones utilize Real-Time Kinematic GPS (RTK-GPS) modules capable of centimeter-level precision. Power is provided by lithium polymer (LiPo) batteries, which also support the vibrant RGB LED lighting system.

Communication modules enable real-time coordination with the ground control station, and onboard memory stores pre-programmed flight paths and lighting sequences. Additionally, the drones are equipped with a suite of sensors, including IMUs, magnetometers, and barometers, ensuring reliable and stable operations.

With its latest demonstration, BotLab Dynamics continues to push the boundaries of aerial light shows, combining innovation, artistry, and engineering excellence in a uniquely Indian endeavor.